Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Add Chocolate Chips (Optional):
If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Bake:
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.